STWC are at it again!!!!

Confusion by the SWP front jumping on the band wagon again.

Today's protest against arms investment outside Norfolk County Council was called by Norwich Anarchists atleast two months ago. Today at the time originally arranged of 10am only about 8 people attended. On our arrival a few members of the Norwich STWC were leafleting and asking why we were late as they had been there since 8am.

This morning an email has been passed to me sent out by the NSTWC...

"Dear All,

The proposed protest at County Hall originally planned for Tuesday 2nd September at 10.00am (as advertised in NSTWC recent Newsletter) will now take place on Monday 1st September from 08.00am to 10.00am at County Hall. All are invited to meet on the steps of County Hall, from 8.00am onwards, to leaflet workers and council members as they enter the building.

Norwich Stop the War Coalition are staging this protest against Norfolk County Council's (NCC) pension fund investment in an aerospace and military engineering company (GKN). GKN ( a'global engineering company') holds an 80% interest in aerospace and military industries.

This protest coincides with a full Council Meeting and the run-up to Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEI) organising Europe's biggest arms fair in Docklands, London. This fair is sponsored by the MOD and UK Government and is paid for from taxes. "Our government likes to project itself as a force for the good in the world. The reality is that by hosting this arms fair, the UK has become an international force for hypocrisy."

NSTWC protesters aim to leaflet county council employees to inform them of NCC's investment.

Join us if you can, on MONDAY 1st September from 8.00am to 10.00am."

This email has caused mass confusion with people running around not knowing what was going on or when. Once again the hard work done by many has been disrupted by the shallow and egotistical actions of the STWC/SWP.

On the funny side of it...there were atleast 6 riot vans and 70 coppers running around who slapped a SECTION 60 on us. They are still screaming around Norwich as we speak, convinced something is about to kick off.

Rudy
Homepage: http://twotins.tripod.com

Comments

Hide the following 5 comments

er

01.09.2003 13:44

So your problem is that STW supported your protest?

What criminals these people are!

sonic

Confusion

01.09.2003 14:25

It would seem that the NSTWC did call a seperate action...looks like there is a lack of co-operation going on here. The Police situation was funny though!!!!

Confused

I don't get your problem

01.09.2003 19:42

I don't understand the problem here. You say yourself that when you turned up at 10 there were only a handful of people, so it follows that if the STWC or SWP hadn't turned up there would have been even less of you-how impressive and scary would that have been.
I don't see how comrades showing solidarity and taking joint action can be seen as scuppering your gig. You posted on Indymedia and asked for support, then when it turns up you moan that someone else has stolen your thunder.
You don't have exclusive rights over protest action, and there are those of us employed by Norfolk County Council who have an even bigger interest in this than you.
Stop whingeing and be glad people took notice of your appeal for support.

Jericho

MMM

01.09.2003 20:17

No, I think what they're trying to say is that a lot of confusion was caused by different times being given out. I myself and a few others I know didnt come because of the earlier time. It all got a little confusing that's all. Some people are still under the impression the demo is tomorrow!!! Logistics that the problem!!!

Claire

SWP does it again

06.09.2003 21:12

It appears that what happened was someone from SWP/STWC took it upon themselves to shift the demo, inspite of not asking around properly. This action is all too common, and is serioudly making me consider quitting SWP. While they have some great things to say, they are as institutionalised as the Conservative party. Yes, read that again, the Conservative Party. They should have simply advertised a separate action. In fact, they should in all honesty have advertised both. The more actions the better. Its just that, of course, they have a set way of doing things, and if you aren't a member of their party, you aren't truelly committed to working for a better world. I'm glad to say that Palestine Solidarity Campaign is really pushing hard to stop them doing another STWC job! Pity that they want to ruin everything. This Socialist/Anarchist argument is really distracting!
Graham

(This reminds me of a plan to block the ring road around York. Leak the detais to the police and fail to turn up!)

Rebel W